Dental Patient Rights and Responsibilities Statement

Your dentist is the best source of information about your dental health and wants you to feel comfortable about your dental care. Maintaining healthy teeth and gums means more than just brushing and flossing every day, and visiting your dentist regularly. As an informed dental patient, it also means knowing what you can expect from your dentist and dental care team and understanding your role and responsibilities in support of their efforts to provide you with quality oral health care.

The rights and responsibilities listed below do not establish legal entitlements or new standards of care, but are simply intended to guide you through the development of a successful and collaborative dentist-patient relationship.

PATIENTS RIGHTS

  1. You have a right to choose your own dentist and schedule an appointment in a timely manner
  2. You have a right to know the education and training of your dentist and your dental care team.
  3. You have a right to arrange to see the dentist every time you receive dental treatment, subject to any state law exceptions.
  4. You have a right to adequate time during an appointment to ask questions and receive answers regarding your dental condition and treatment plan for your care.
  5. You have a right to know what the dental team feels is the optimal treatment plan as well as the right to ask for alternative treatment options.
  6. You have a right to an explanation of the purpose, probable {short and long term} results, alternative and risks involved before consenting to a proposed treatment plan.
  7. You have a right to be informed of continuing health care needs.
  8. You have a right to know in advance the expected cost of treatment.
  9. You have a right to accept, defer or decline any part of your treatment recommendations.
  10. You have a right to reasonable arrangements for dental care and emergency treatment.
  11. You have a right to receive considerate, respectful and confidential treatment by your dentist and dental team.
  12. You have a right to expect that the dental team members use appropriate infection and sterilization controls.
  13. You have a right to inquire about the availability of processes to mediate disputes about your treatment.

PATIENT RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. You have a responsibility to provide accurate information about your previous medical and dental treatment including any problems.
  2. You have a responsibility to advise of any allergies.
  3. You have a responsibility to advise if you are in high risk category for infection transmission e.g. Tuberculosis/Hepatitis or HIV.
  4. You have a responsibility to show courtesy and consideration to staff by telling them your needs in a polite way respecting other patients and staff.
  5. You have a responsibility to attend appointments on time and advise the clinic in advance if you are unable to attend. This will allow other patients to use the appointment time.
  6. You have a responsibility to pay fees when appointment is completed, or contact the clinic to discuss payment options.
  7. You have a responsibility to follow advice provided for the better management of your own oral health, or discuss this with your dental professional if you do not wish to do so.
  8. You have a responsibility to ask questions if you do not understand what you have been told.
  9. You have a responsibility to contact the clinic if there are any unexpected changes I your condition as soon as possible.
  10. You have a responsibility to advise if you do not wish other people present during your appointment.
  11. You have a responsibility to advise the clinic if you are unhappy with the care you/family have received.
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Anthony Spink Dental Suite | 07 3869 4555